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Journalists and magazines and online reviewers should contact Dr Greg Perry greg [AT] gpsoft [DOT] com [DOT] au at GPSoftware to obtain press releases, review copies and related material.
 
A vote of confidence from
The Age's Department of
Tidying Things Up."

 

 

 

 

 

 

Creative Cow
Video Review

 

 

 

 

“Powerful and functional alternative to Windows Explorer”
 James Thornton

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Without question Directory Opus 9 is the best file manager Windows Explorer replacement

 

 

 

 

 

 

Directory Opus is one of those 'must have' tools

 

 

 

 

 

Martin Anderson takes control of his files

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Productivity Enhancing
Software

 

Awarded download: Directory Opus

 

 

PC Magazine (US)

 

 

Opus wins
PC Magazine
 Editors Choice
Award

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CreativeCow reviews
Directory Opus

 

Excellent (5/5)

 

 

 

 

Outstanding 5/5

Excellent (5/5)


... tools that solve small problems tend to get largely overlooked ...

 

PC Magazine
(USA)

Excellent (5/5)

User Feedback

 

 


Directory Opus 6.2
A replacement for the Windows Explorer

 

Rated by 5 points award on download ready  

Directory Opus
"Track And Organize Image Files Easily With This Powerful Software Package"
by Rob Sheppard

 

 

Read full Review
in PDF

 

 

Read full Review..

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Charles Wright says "A vote of confidence in Directory Opus, from Melbourne newspaper The Age's Department of Tidying Things Up."

... "Over the years, we in the DTTU have grown to know and love many file and directory managers. It started, in the years of DOS, with XTree, which was followed by XTree Gold and when Windows arrived ZTree. We've used programs like Norton Commander, and Power Desk.

We have to acknowledge, however, that none of them quite matches the power of the Australian-developed application, Directory Opus, now in version 9.1. We find ourselves wondering, at times, whether Directory Opus – often shortened to "DOpus" - isn't so much a file and directory manager as a cult religion. ...

It's easy to use and extremely powerful out of the box, but it's almost infinitely configurable to suit a user's personal preferences, which no doubt is why the Departments of Tidying Things Up at the Max Planck Institute and NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory use it...."
Read full review here!

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A Video Tutorial and Review of Directory Opus 9
Creative Cow's John David Hutton give Directory Opus 9 their highest rating!

Article Focus:
This bruiser app is so powerful it should be a requirement for any power user (and every digital content creation user). It offers outstanding tools and an enhanced workflow at a great price. Its features are so deep I felt a written review wasn't strong enough to illustrate why Directory Opus 9 should be standard on every windows computer.

Summary:
  I give it a frighteningly-solid 5 cows for stability, feature set, great price and incredibly flexible customization. You'll never want to use any other explorer or file management app!
Click here to see and hear the full tutorial and review!
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“Powerful and functional alternative to Windows Explorer” by James Thornton

When it comes to managing and organizing the files on your computer, most of us are perfectly content to use the Windows Explorer. In fact, many people don't even realise there are alternatives to the built-in file manager, which is starting to get a little long in the tooth now (unless you've got Vista, which adds some interesting new tools). Once you've tried a different file manager, however, it's often difficult to go back, especially if that file manager is Directory Opus.

... From the outset it's clear to see that Opus is like Windows Explorer on steroids. The default directory layout is very similar to Explorer but with one key difference – it shows two folders in separate tree-view panes (although you can switch to the more conventional single-folder Flat View). This makes moving files around much easier because you can instantly drag and drop files into other folders without having to open and close new windows.

However, the main difference you'll notice between Directory Opus and its Windows rival lies at the top of the screen, within the programs toolbar and menu options. Upon closer inspection you start to realize this is much more than just a utility for organizing your files into folders.

In terms of sheer power, this is a real brute of a program and makes Explorer look positively weedy. The sheer scale of options and advanced settings means that Directory Opus can be a little overwhelming at first, but once you've learned how to tame the beast by customizing the program to your needs, you'll be astonished at how much it offers. Since discovering the app, we haven't gone back to Explorer and have subsequently ditched many of the apps we used to use on a regular basis such as WinZip and  SmartFTP.
Click here to read full review...
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User Feedback on File Forum: Without question Directory Opus 9 is the best file manager/Windows Explorer replacement that I have looked at; approximately 30 in all. The people at GPSoft have added a number of new features to an already stellar product. Oh yes, there are programs that have a small feature or two that Directory Opus lacks but no program I've seen has the overall combination of advanced features and polished look that this piece of software has. ... This program is one complete and well thought out piece of software, and has a very professional feel to it.

...To give you an idea of how extensive the program is the makers of this software give people a 60 day trial period. Who else does that?

There are a number of very good file managers/Windows Explorer replacements on the market today, but, in my humble opinion, none can hold a candle to Directory Opus 9. It is the Rolls Royce of its genre. If you can stomach the cost and find the time to learn the extensive features of this software I say.... drive the best! 
: Click here to read full review and other user feedback...
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Directory Opus 9 Powerful Windows Explorer alternative: Chris Wiles, CRN

Quite simply, Directory Opus is one of those 'must have' tools, that you come across from time to time. Its general purpose is to replace your existing Windows Explorer and let you do more, the way you want to do it, more quickly. Highly customizable, you can choose to work in a single-window mode, dual-pane window, use Directory Opus as your FTP tool and synchronize files between computers... With built in support for ZIP files, you can handle your archives as if they are regular folders. No need for external archive management tools...

This is a major new release of Directory Opus, v9. New features include full support for Windows Vista (as an Explorer replacement), XML based configuration, export to external USB stick support, updated interface, new method of handling program icons and so much more.
Chris Wiles: Click here to read full review...
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Martin Anderson takes control of his files with Windows Explorer’s most successful rival.

Many Windows users consider explorer.exe to be the public face of Windows, but Microsoft’s file-browser is just another bundled program, like Paint, and it can be replaced with more capable third-party alternatives.

Directory Opus is the most successful of the many available freeware and commercial Explorer alternatives. Though it doesn’t completely replace Explorer (without which you would have no desktop or taskbar in Windows), Opus effectively takes over the browsing of folders, substituting the very basic functionality of explorer.exe with a vast and almost bewilderingly configurable feature-set.

The preferences panel alone is so comprehensive that version 9 institutes a useful search-bar there to help you find the feature you are looking to adjust. The panoply of features themselves are not frivolous or bloated, but represent genuinely useful functionality which can save you hours of time every week.

...it is one of the most stable programs I have ever seen, and the free trial may convince you -as it has me and many others- that Windows Explorer is, by comparison, an unprofessional way to waste your working hours.
Martin Anderson: Click here to read full review...
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Productivity Enhancing Software: Directory Opus by Brian Meidell,
...Last but certainly not least is Directory Opus, or DOpus for short. DOpus was the file manager on Amiga, but what most people don’t know is that they also make a PC version, which is currently in version 9. Directory Opus is to files what vim is to text, only without the learning curve. It does everything you ever wanted plus a thousand times more...

It’s a bit hard to tell people why Directory Opus is so fantastic, because when you start listing all the cool things it can do, it sounds like a bunch of “little” things. But these thousands of little things really come together to give a super sleek, endlessly improving experience. You quickly start wondering how the hell you ever lived with the regular Windows Explorer....

It’s the kind of program where I could rant and rave about it for a month, and I would not be able to convey the true power and sleekness it possesses. I can only recommend that you download the trial, knowing that everything about the default settings can be changed and explore the help file a bit. I have been using DOpus for 6 years consistently, and I keep finding new things I love about it. Click here to read full review...

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PC Magazine Incredibly Useful Utilities: Directory Opus  makes Windows Explorer obsolete... Common tasks such as managing ZIP archives, setting file attributes, and moving files from one folder to another are all easier in DOpus. Among its many, many high-end abilities are finding duplicate files, changing date/time stamps, handling FTP transfers, previewing almost any type of file, and splitting and rejoining large files - the list is almost endless! Click here to read full review...
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Directory Opus  wins PC Magazine (US) Editors Choice Award!: "With its unique conveniences, startling speed, and gleaming interface, Directory Opus  is the only file manager we find powerful enough to use as a replacement for Windows Explorer. Its tabbed interface lets you switch between a traditional Explorer view and a variety of dual-directory and filmstrip-style views...."

Click here to read full review...
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Directrory Opus: Gestionnaire de fichiers à affichage multiple
Les gestionnaires de fichiers évolués sont nombreux et apportent des fonctionnalités approfondies par rapport à l'explorateur Windows. Dans la lignée de XYplorer (ex TrackerV3) ou Total Commander, Directory Opus propose une solution extrèmement complète au niveau de ses fonctions comme de son interface.

Directory Opus se distingue d'emblée par son interface personnalisable : plusieurs dispositions des fenêtres sont possibles, dont le double affichage vertical à la Total Commander ou horizontal, avec ou sans arborescence, ou encore un mode « pellicule ». Les fonctionnalités du logiciel intègrent notamment un gestionnaire FTP, un outil de compression/décompression et une prise en charge des principaux formats d'image ou de texte afin de les prévisualiser directement depuis le gestionnaire
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PC Authority Australia : Directory Opus : SOFTWARE LABS VERDICT.
"Ever wish Windows would preview a photo when you hover your mouse on its icon? We do. Do you miss having a proper file browser by default, such as the one in Windows 3.1? Want to do command-line tasks without actually using the command line? Join the club. Fortunately, though, now you can. We last looked at Directory Opus a long time ago and it felt more like an add-on to Windows Explorer than a worthy replacement. It's since reached version 8 and things have come on in leaps and bounds. Now you really can hover over an image and see a preview — complete with all the attached EXIF data. Better still, you can right-click it and convert it. This isn't a simple JPEG-to-GIF job; it handles PNG and Windows Bitmap too, and will also compress JPEGs. Bye-bye Fireworks. So long Adobe Image Ready....

Image searching and preview is much improved, including the ability to group disparate images from multiple folders...

If there's one killer feature, though, it's the fact that everything works the way you think it should....

.. If this all sounds a bit too glowing to be true, then try it for yourself. We had a few concerns about the last release we reviewed, and came to the conclusion that its appeal would be 'limited for most users'. With the arrival of version 8, though, it's an entirely different story. This is an essential upgrade, and something from which Microsoft could learn a lot"..
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CreativeCow reviews Directory Opus : "CreativeCOW leader John David Hutton shows us why Directory Opus for Windows "is an outstanding workflow addition at a great price... What is it? Some would say it's a windows explorer replacement and while this is technically true it also offers multitudes of capabilities normally included in many other apps, namely ftp, image conversion, complex file searches including metadata searches, image and file viewer, zip capabilities, folder synchronization, slideshows, etc. It also supports easy access to common utilities like Nero burning software and Google Desktop Search (GDS) software, freely downloadable from Google."

Click here to read full review

SUMMARY: "This is an outstanding workflow addition at a great price. At the time of this writing, a single license costs $85 AUD (about $65 USD). Not bad for all of these features.  I give it a frighteningly-solid 5 cows for stability, feature set, great price and incredibly flexible customization."

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ITnews UK- Directory Opus 

"Intro: Windows Explorer has never been up to the mark. Since Windows 3, we have had a vast range of shell replacement programs to choose from. Well most can pack their bags and head home because, for the power user at least, Directory Opus beats the lot of them...."

"Verdict: As a file management utility, DOpus is worth the investment. But this becomes a greater value proposition when you consider that DOpus can replace your FTP program, image viewing and conversion utilities, WinZIP, application launcher, even movie player. There's no doubt about it, this is by far and away the best and most powerful Windows file manager we have ever seen. At a stroke, it can render all manner of utilities installed on your system redundant. If you are looking for a Windows Explorer replacement, then it is probably because you are looking for something more powerful. Call off the search. We have a winner. "

Read full review...

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Directory Opus PC Pro Review by Nik Rawlinson RATING:

Verdict: A major upgrade makes Directory Opus  more than just a handy tool. Packed with time-saving shortcuts, it's a must for any Windows user.

"If this all sounds a bit too glowing to be true, then try it for yourself. We had a few concerns about the last release we reviewed, and came to the conclusion that its appeal would be 'limited for most users'. With the arrival of version 8, though, it's an entirely different story. This is an essential upgrade, and something from which Microsoft could learn a lot... "

Read full Review ...

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Directory Opus  wins prestigious PC Plus Editor's Choice Award, awarded to GP Software for its Directory Opus, featured as a standalone review in issue no. 228 of PC Plus,

Productivity: Directory Opus  PC Plus Review Davey Winter.

"To call Directory Opus, yet another Explorer Replacement' would be like calling Las Vegas much the same as Blackpool'. This is productivity software pure and simple...

Why install dozens of unstable freebie utilities to bridge the Windows Explorer gap when Directory Opus 8 offers a single, integrated, multi-threaded, multi-tasking solution? It has zip archiving, FTP, advanced image-handing and a fully customizable UI to die for ... This product specializes in power, flexibility and stable file management....

Believe us we've been there and seen the light."
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Full Review available in the magazine..

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Directory Opus - A review by Shane Monroe: A very comprehensive 18 page review of the new version of Directory Opus covering many many aspects of the program and the new features explained in detail. "DOpus is like finding Christmas presents in the closet all year long ... "

Read full review...

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Dr File Finder writes - "Directory Opus is a truly powerful file manager, but it's so much more... The new features in this release could take a full page to tell you about, but to name a few it has enhanced FTP capability, a variety of view modes, image conversion functions, folder options, and lots, lots more! This is the most powerful "file manager" of all time, in my opinion. Take a look for yourself."

Read Dr File Finder Quick Pick...

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Directory Opus has been reviewed very favorably by PC Magazine (USA).

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Raymond Domp Frank from Amsterdam writes: "I have been using PowerDesk (initially version 4, later upgraded to 5) for several years now. At the time, it was a lot better than any competing product that I knew. About a year ago, I downloaded an evaluation copy of Total Commander (Ghisler), which didn't make me any happier than I already was with Power Desk. After reading the article on "File managers" in the recent June  issue of PC Magazine, I decided to download evaluation copies of ExplorerPlus and Directory Opus. I must say I like ExplorerPlus, even though it's in fact only a face lifted PowerDesk.  However, as soon as I started trying Directory Opus, it was immediately obvious that it really has something else - and a lot more - to offer.

It's one of those products that I could relate to instantly: it gave me the feeling that its designer had been looking for - and found - the kind of features and user interface that I was looking for."

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FoxPop review by Elisabeth Liddell: - "Recently I've been exploring Explorer – Windows Explorer that is – and looking for a really good replacement. It wasn't something I'd ever thought about – indeed I was only faintly aware that such 3rd party replacement programs existed. This state of blissful (or not so blissful) ignorance might have continued had not the inbuilt Windows Explorer ceased to function twice. Now once might be viewed as an unfortunate accident - but twice? As the failure of the Explorer function effectively cripples a machine, I had to rebuild both the affected laptops … and that left me very wary of the app.,.. when by happy coincidence an email arrived from a reader suggesting that I try out Directory Opus. I did – and the results are described here ...Read full Review..

Conclusion:  Well I guess that you have gathered that I really like this program!

It has opened my eyes to many new ways of working with my laptop/PC. It has taken the central idea of the file explorer to a whole new level. Indeed using DOpus solely as a replacement for the Windows File Explorer is to vastly underestimate its power and potential - those functions maybe utilize 25% of the program's functionality. But the delight of the program is that it can be used in any way you want - as a replacement for the inbuilt file explorer it works excellently, and out-performs the default with ease. And if that is what you want - there is no pressure to use the advanced functions at all. Don't feel guilty - just pick and mix the features that you need and want. It won't disappoint on any level!

It has changed the way I work, and speeded up a whole raft of tasks I regularly need to perform. And now I find myself thinking about other features that I would like to see developed. ..

In the User manual it says … “There have been file managers, now there is Directory Opus! Ignorance was bliss.”  I'd take issue with this – looking back, I think of pre-DOpus days as the dark ages. Bliss is knowing about DOpus, and having it available on my laptop!"

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PCPhoto Magazine: "Once in a while, you come across something that truly makes working in the computer easier. Directory Opus 6 is a Windows-specific program designed to replace Windows Explorer. This Australian-originated program (it’s easily ordered from the Web) does a great job of letting you quickly see and organize files on your hard drive; it’s like Windows Explorer to a new power...

I like to put my digital camera images into folders based on particular shoots, then sort them there. Next, I copy selected items to new, more specific folders, such as “Flower Close-Ups 2003.” Directory Opus makes this easy to do..." Read full review...

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Australian Developer: "Desktop Explorer for the power-hungry: Once you’ve used Directory Opus for just five minutes, you’ll wonder how you ever managed to get by for so long  without it.
Conclusion: Every now and then something comes along that is truly worthy of all the praise it earns – Directory Opus is one of these. Until you've spent some time working with it, you do not understand what you're missing from your file management duties...  With all of its good points, it's difficult to find any flaws. Although it does have a familiar interface to Explorer, it can take time to get used to the 'Lister' methodology...
... a trial version. Unlike most trial software, this version is exactly what you receive when you purchase it, its only restriction is it will expire after 60 days of installation. I strongly suggest giving it a go – even if you don’t like it, what has it cost you in the end?
IN BRIEF: Directory Opus is so fast, easy to use and amazingly configurable that you’ll wonder how you ever did without it. ... its sheer depth of options will truly change the way you view your desktop forever."

Andrew Miller, AUSTRALIAN DEVELOPER

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Dr. File Finder's Pick on Simtel: "Directory Opus, by GPSoftware, is a powerful tool for working with all the files on your computer. This is no simple file manager and the program is loaded with features. So many features, in fact, that I'm just going to try to hit the high-points for you...
..  Another feature I really liked was the programs support for digital images, like the ones from your digital camera. Directory Opus gives you all the information about each photo -- things like shutter speed, time, aperture, and more. And if all this weren't enough it has very powerful search capabilities, an internal command set, and even activity associated sounds -- something I haven't seen in any similar programs. Excellent!
... So, this is, in many ways, much more than just a file manager. If you've been looking for a replacement for Windows Explorer and you want something with lot of power under the hood, take a good look at Directory Opus. One of the very best programs I've seen this year. Try it!"

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PC ANSWERS: "Say goodbye to the antiquated Windows Explorer and welcome Directory Opus, the ultimate file manager for power users.. Essentially, Directory Opus acts as a complete replacement for the traditional Windows Explorer interface. That’s the same Explorer that you interact with when opening My Computer, My Network Places or just about any window used to display files and folders.

However, Directory Opus does much more than act as a newer version of Windows Explorer. It also integrates a whole series of advanced capabilities into the file management experience, including the ability to customise layouts, build custom toolbars, and switch between a variety of window views. If that weren’t enough, it also provides integrated utilities to create Zip files, manage FTP sessions and view common graphics files. If you’re still not happy, not to worry. We’ve barely scratched the surface."
 Full Text...

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PC World November: (Reviews) "If you’ve ever wondered if there was a better way of doing things when using Windows Explorer, this is the program for you. Directory Opus, built from the ground up for the Windows OS (and now supporting XP), offers an Explorer replacement and much more."
Full Review...

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Directory Opus wins PowerTools Award  "The Power Tools Forum Award winners have been picked for their class leading abilities. Each is what we have determined to be a true Power Tool used in concert they'll change your world. Our continued support and praise go to those companies continuing to lift the bar for everyone else."

The Power Tool Award Winner:  "Directory Opus- the true powertooler's tool of choice for file management. Multi-threading of tasks is just one of it's many innovations."

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Australian PC Authority
"Explorer has some major problems, particularly when copying or moving files. You've accepted for years that your system slows down when you move or copy files, but there's no good reason for it. Directory Opus actually multitasks, so you can have multiple copy, deletion and file moving threads running simultaneously. It also has much better file indexing and search functions, and is entirely configurable.

This is a handy bit of software that summarized in one sentence, could be described as a Windows Explorer replacement. This obviously begs the question ‘why bother?’ as Explorer is pretty good at what it does in the first place. Not only that, but it comes free as part of every Windows installation. So why buy a program that does what your existing free software already does? Because Directory Opus does it better. Much better" Full Review...

 
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